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Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Applying for EQIP in Illinois

Funding in Illinois will be focused on the following:

  • Confined Livestock Operations
  • Grazing Land Operations
  • Resource issues on land not related to livestock

EQIP is a competitive program. A ranking process determines which applications will be awarded EQIP contracts. The ranking process was developed by NRCS in Illinois with considerable input from the State Technical Committee and local work groups to reflect both national priorities and measures, and priority state and local resource concerns.

The intention of the EQIP application ranking system in Illinois is to identify applicants who will make the greatest improvement to the environment. Applications with the highest ranking will be the first recipients of EQIP assistance. Ranking criteria for livestock operations focus on waste management, prescribed grazing, and water quality; while criteria for non-livestock related operations focus on reduction of soil erosion, improvement in water quality, and creation of quality wildlife habitat.

In order to sign up for EQIP, the applicant must be determined to be an eligible producer by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The land must also be determined eligible by NRCS. FSA and NRCS assistance is available at any USDA Service Center. Applicants should NOT start or install practices before having an approved EQIP contract.

The application process for EQIP is ongoing; however, the first cutoff date for selecting applications in Illinois will be October 20, 2006. Applicants can apply for the EQIP program at their local USDA Service Center. They can also begin the application process by completing one of the ranking criteria forms applicable to their operation and both of the application forms, and taking it to their local NRCS office:

2007 Application Evaluation Worksheets

The participant must complete and sign all necessary application forms prior to the end of the ranking period. Cost-share eligibility is contingent on the producer NOT starting or installing the practice before having an approved EQIP contract.